PETALING JAYA: Scenes of cars stranded on flooded roads have become commonplace during the monsoon season.
The floods can also lead to hefty repair bills for owners, depending on the extent of the damage.
But there are ways to minimise the damage.
For one, drivers unable to move their cars to higher ground during a flood should first disconnect their car battery terminals, says Mohd Syafiq Sahar, who runs a workshop in Batu Caves.
Doing so prevents damage to electrical systems such as the electronics control unit and transmission control unit, he said.
“It will not guarantee that the car’s electrical systems are free of floodwater damage, but it will minimise the risk of the electronics malfunctioning.
“Never attempt to start the car or even turn on the ignition switch. That can cause extensive damage from a short circuit, and lead to expensive repairs. Have the car towed to a workshop instead,” he added.
Mohd Syafiq warned that certain car components are easily damaged after being submerged in floodwaters, as they become coated with silt and mud.
“While we can flush out what we see, the silt from floodwaters can gather in confined areas and cause slow deterioration.
“This is why we strip down most of the car parts, including the seats, and do a thorough clean-up,” said the mechanic who has handled over a dozen flood-damaged cars during the 2021 flash floods that hit the Klang Valley.
Automotive influencer Bro Wong said not all cars can go through floodwaters safely without suffering damage.
“The electrical wiring of some car models may run along their lower engine areas.
“Submerged air intake ducts, intake manifolds and other openings can draw water into the engine, leading to serious damage.
“A general rule is to stop driving when the floodwater level is more than half the height of the car’s tyres,” he said.
Kajang-based workshop owner Mohd Hafizi Ariffin said that repairs and a full clean-up of flooded vehicles can take two weeks or more depending on the severity of the damage.
Repairs may cost from RM2,000 onwards, but for luxury vehicles, it can reach tens of thousands of ringgit.
General insurance consultant Leonard Tan advises motorists to add a “special perils” rider to their motor insurance coverage for a fee.
“Depending on the insurance company, the add-on coverage costs just 0.23% to 0.3% of the sum covered for a vehicle. If a car is covered for RM20,000, the special perils add-on would cost only RM46 per annum,” he added.
He also advises those who travel to Thailand to purchase a “territory extension” add-on that will cover damage to their vehicles incurred from natural disasters.
“This is also priced under RM50 and comes in handy when your car is affected by floods,” he said.
